Leon's Law

Understanding Leon’s Law at North Carolina Community Colleges

Effective July 1, 2025, Leon’s Law (Session Law 2025-46) establishes new legal requirements for how North Carolina community colleges manage education records for minor students under age 18.

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What Is Leon’s Law?

Leon’s Law requires that community colleges share the education records of minor dependent students with:

• Their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), without the student’s consent, as long as the parent claims the student as a dependent on their federal tax return.

• High school counselors and administrators, if the student is dually enrolled in a K-12 institution and a community college.

This requirement builds on an existing exception in FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), but makes it mandatory for North Carolina community colleges.

 

Key Requirements for Students and Parents

1. Student Acknowledgment Form (REQUIRED)

All minor students must complete an acknowledgment form before registering for courses. The form:

• Informs students that their records will be accessible to their parent(s)/guardian(s) and K-12 officials if applicable.

• Must be completed prior to registration. Students who do not complete this form cannot register.

• Is a required acknowledgment, not a consent form—this is different from traditional FERPA waivers.

2. Parent/Guardian Opt-Out (OPTIONAL)

Parents or guardians may choose to opt out of accessing their child’s records by submitting a signed Parent/Guardian Opt-Out Form.

• This only applies to Leon’s Law access—it does not override other legal or FERPA rights.

• The opt-out can be revoked later with a written request.

 

3. Parent Certification of Dependency (Optional)

Colleges may request documentation proving the student is a dependent for tax purposes. This is not required under the law unless the college chooses to collect it.

 

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Note: Leon’s Law gives access to records but does not give parents the right to make academic decisions for the student.

 

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When Must the Form Be Completed?

• Before registration for any course (credit or non-credit).

• Some colleges may require it each term or annually.

• For same-day or walk-in registrations (e.g., Public Safety classes), the form must be completed on the day of registration.

As a reminder, if the student is 18 or older, a Leon’s Law acknowledgement is not required.

 

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Who Is Considered a “Parent”?

Under Leon’s Law and FERPA, a parent includes:

• Biological or adoptive parent

• Legal guardian

• An individual acting as a parent in the absence of a guardian

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How Does This Work with FERPA?

Leon’s Law does not conflict with FERPA. It makes use of an existing FERPA exception:

• FERPA (34 CFR §99.31(a)(8)) allows colleges to release records to a parent if the student is a dependent for tax purposes.

• Leon’s Law requires this exception to be applied for minors under 18, rather than leaving it up to the institution’s discretion.